A journey in learning

I am currently on hiatus as I put finishing touches on my latest book, Growing Independent Learners (Stenhouse Publishers). But meanwhile, please have fun exploring all the information posted here. You can browse posts by using key words to the right or the search bar at the top of the page to find helpful resources from my work in classrooms all over North America. For more information, please visit my website or Facebook page.

There’s still time to register for this year’s institute in Richmond, VA! The first day of the institute, Thursday, Feb. 28, will focus on literacy work stations, and the second day will focus on math work stations.
You will learn how to manage independent learning through work stations, how to use your current core curriculum to plan for and implement meaningful partner practice, how to work smarter as you meet new demands and challenges, and much, much more!
Plus this is your chance to meet and brainstorm with fellow teachers and ask me questions!

Here are some pictures of the “after” photos of the classroom I set up after school yesterday. As part of the training on small group reading instruction, we looked at how to set up a classroom a la my book, Spaces and Places. One of the teachers there talked to me at the break and explained that she was graduating from college on Friday (this week!) and starting in her first teaching job next Monday. She wondered which space she should focus on setting up first. I always recommend planning classroom spaces on paper before moving any furniture. So, I told her I’d help her for a little bit after class.

We drove several miles to her new school, and the teacher whose class she’s taking over was gracious enough to let us plan and move the furniture. Less than 2 hours later, the new look was taking shape.

The “new” whole group area (with tech in the corner)

The “new” small group area (by the built-in shelves which are perfect for storing small group materials)

The “new” classroom library with books graciously donated by the teacher who is leaving to teach P.E. We moved and reconfigured the bins and shelves from a different part of the room.